CMS Academy Review

The 3 week programme started with the first week being a 'Business of Law week'. This involved various activities that were mainly around team-working such as group presentations. After the Business of Law week, the England offices then went into the 2 week internship at their chosen office location, where we were all allocated a single department. During my time in my department, I absolutely loved the team culture and I got involved in real work on real-life legal matters.

I have learnt new skills and I have developed my existing ones. The most important new skill that I learnt is the art of effective communication from my Business of Law Week, where I was exposed to the firm's clients. The skills I developed were my team-working, time-management, attention to detail and research skills. These skills were developed and honed during my 2 weeks in my chosen office. I also developed my ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

I absolutely enjoyed my time at the firm. It is an incredible firm and I was enjoying every minute of it. I learnt about how the firm operates and their future growth strategy. I also learnt about the internal mechanisms of the firm such as how they bill clients. Understanding all of the aspects to CMS' business was absolutely incredible and it made me realise that this is actually the firm for me. There are also a lot of potential roles available at the firm, which means that I can see myself at the firm for a long period of time.

The company's culture is truly fantastic!! There are no words that can describe how friendly everyone at the firm is. The friendliness of the firm permeates throughout the entire firm, including the most senior of Partners. The company's culture is about collaboration and you can really see that at the firm because everybody is working together to achieve the bigger aim, which is to complete matters to a high quality standard. It is an incredible culture and I felt privileged to be there.

I enjoyed the insight thoroughly, so much so, I did not want to leave the firm. I was definitely sad to leave my department and CMS and that is a testament to how much I enjoyed my time at CMS. I could not ask to be at a better firm. The people are genuinely absolutely lovely. My Academy cohort was absolutely brilliant and we all got along very well with one another, so much so, I definitely missed seeing them after the experience was over.

Yes

My tips to others applying to CMS would be to really understand the firm when you're looking to apply. CMS' strategy is a bit unique and they are looking for people who understand their strategy. Therefore, learn it and know it. Another valuable piece of advice is use LinkedIn to reach out to lawyers and ask them about their experience working at a law firm. Really understand the law firm model and how law firms actually make money.